President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday commiserated with His Royal Highness, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, on the death of his mother, Hajiya Goggo Abubakar.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati.

Jonathan also condoled with the entire Nupe kingdom on the death of the matriarch.

``On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to express our deepest condolences to Your Highness, members of your family, and the entire people of the Nupe Kingdom at this time,” President Jonathan wrote.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Hajiya Goggo Abubakar passed on at the age of 83.

Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded governorship election in Edo state, Major General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), Monday said he would not congratulate Governor Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), citing the earlier statement by the governor faulting INEC in the conduct of the election.

Gen Airhiavbere who spoke to journalists in Benin insisted that the acclaimed winner had faulted the electoral process before his declaration by the same body on Sunday.

According to him, “I won’t fully comment on the election because the acclaimed winner had earlier in the day about 1 p.m condemned the electoral system, he condemned the chairman of INEC for the process that has not ended.

The Russian Football Union (RFU) on Monday appointed Italian coach Fabio Capello as new national manager to revive the flagging fortunes of the team after its flop at Euro 2012.

“Today we decided to appoint Capello as our national team’s new manager,” the RFU deputy president Nikita Simonyan told ITAR-TASS news agency. “We expect him to come to Moscow in the nearest future to finalise the details of his contract and sign it.”

“I think this will happen on Wednesday or Thursday,” said Simonyan, who is acting chief of the RFU after previous head Sergei Fursenko resigned last month.

Stephen R. Covey, author of "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" as well as three other books that have all sold more than a million copies, has died. He was 79.

In a statement sent to employees of a Utah consulting firm Covey co-founded, his family said the writer and motivational speaker died at a hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho, early Monday due to complications from a bicycle accident in April.

"In his final hours, he was surrounded by his loving wife and each one of his children and their spouses, just as he always wanted," the family said.

Police authorities in Kano, northwest Nigeria on Monday said they are still investigating the remote and immediate causes of a murder case involving four Chinese nationals at kwanar Ganduje Quarters within the metropolis of the commercial city.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim K. Idirs told reporters that Jimbo Zhao Dang Dong and Smith Zhhang Ze are being detained at the Headquarters of Kano Police Command for killing Xucheng Kun and his friend identified as Old Man during a brawl.

The police boss narrated that preliminary investigation revealed that the two suspects killed Xucheng and his friend after taking intoxicants suspected to contain high percentage of alcohol.

The Bayelsa State Government has stated that the appointment of the wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan, is in accordance with ongoing general reforms in the state’s public service.

According to the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seriake Dickson on Media and Public Affairs, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the state government believes that the services of the First Lady to the development of Bayelsa State and Nigeria, qualify as essential service, which should be recognised and rewarded, not derided and denigrated on the altar of politics.

Lagos State Police Command has smashed a syndicate that specialized in illegal importation of ammunition from neighboring West African countries, arresting three suspected members, including retired naval officer.

The suspects, alleged to be traders at the popular Onitsha market, usually concealed the ammunition inside their goods, using the method to evade security checks at the border.

But luck ran out on them after the surveillance team of Trade Fair Division, under Area ‘E’ Command intercepted a Volkswagen bus loaded with goods from Seme border, on Wednesday, at the Trade Fair Complex.

Singer Rihanna performs with Drake onstage during the Grammy Awards Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles.

Singer Rihanna has reportedly splashed 100,000 pounds on a cruise so that she can rekindle her romance with rapper Drake."Rihanna is determined to live life to the full following her grandma's death and decided to give it another go with Drake. In the past, he'd moan that she wouldn't commit and was working all the time. But she's up for trying again," thesun.co.uk quoted a source as saying.

Rihanna and Drake had a brief affair last year.

"They're meeting up on a plush yacht in Cannes next week and will then spend a week cruising around the Med. Rihanna wants to travel down through Italy and go to the most romantic places she's seen online," the source said.

Kristin Chenoweth was rushed to a New York hospital after she was injured on the Brooklyn set of “The Good Wife” Wednesday afternoon ... and TMZ has obtained dramatic photos of the actress being treated on the scene.

A source connected to the production of the CBS show told TMZ... Kristin was struck by a piece of lighting equipment that collapsed because of a large gust of wind.We’re told Kristin immediately fell to the ground ... and smacked her head on the concrete during the fall.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has congratulated Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State on his re-election saturday for another term in office.

In a statement signed by Mr. Reuben Abati, Special advicer on media and publicity to the president, Jonathan also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, its personnel and the nation’s security services for ensuring that the elections were

A 53-year-old Yusuf Ibrahim of Yar’adua quarters in Katsina metropolis has been stabbed to death by yet-to-be identified persons. “The late Ibrahim was stabbed in the stomach, neck and back,” Police authorities confirmed.

The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Katsina State Command, ASP Shehu Koko Muhammad, confirmed to a reliable source on phone yesterday that, the late Ibrahim was ambushed by his killers at Filin Samji area in the state metropolis on Thursday and stabbed in three different places.

“The late Ibrahim was riding his motorcycle when one of the killers stopped him and

A bomb has exploded beside a gasoline station in Okene township in Kogi State.Eyewitnesses said a vehicle parked at the gas station exploded, apparently timed to cause significant fire from underground gasoline tanks underneath the area.

Casualties are not known as at the time of filing this report.GistNaija will get back to you with more reports. Check back later.

GistNaija has ascertained from a top official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole is the winner of the Edo State governorship election.

With votes counted from 18 local governments in Edo State, Mr. Oshiomhole, the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), had garnered 477, 478 votes. His main rival, Major General Charles Airhiavbere (ret.) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), scored 144,255 votes.

D’banj has release a new single called ‘Oyato’ on July 14. This was revealed by Mcomm, Nigeria’s fastest growing music distribution network.According to the release, the single, which was propelled by the pop icon’s desire to reconnect with his numerous fans after the soar away success of his Oliver single in the UK – is D’banj first Nigerian release as an independent recording artist.‘Oyato’ marks D’banj’s transition into an international music star and

David Haye knocked out Dereck Chisora in the fifth round of their all-British heavyweight fight at Upton Park on Saturday.

Five months after they brawled in Munich at a news conference, Haye put Chisora down for good with a left hook, but Haye (26-2, 24 KOs) was coming under severe pressure until the knockout in an exciting fight before 30,000.

The fight panned out as expected. Former world cruiserweight and heavyweight champ

Hot and daring, Chelsea Ada Ezerioha strikes you as an actress who is all-out to conquer the screen despite the odds in the Nigerian motion picture industry.

Since hitting the limelight after starring in that Vivian Ejike’s “Silent Scandal” movie alongside top A-list actors like Genevieve Nnaji, Majid Michel, Uche Jumbo and many others, three years ago, Chelsea has remained on top of her game, striving to hit it big in the industry. She shares her dreams and fantasies with Showtime celebrity.

The ring on your finger suggests that you are engaged, are you engaged to someone?
This is not an engagement ring. (frowning) And I’m not engaged at the moment.

Top actress Bimbo Akintola who has been missing on the big screens in recent times has resurfaced in a new musical flick titled, “Hoodrsuh.”

Bimbo used to be the favourite of most Nollywood producers following her stunning appearance in Richard Mofe-Damijo’s “Out of Bounds” before she eventually went underground.

By starring in this new flick, which also paraded other emerging stars such as O.C Ukeje, Gabriel Afolayan, Chelsea Eze, Ijeoma Agu and Lilian Byoma amongst others, the thorough-bred actress undoubtedly gives her sagging career a big lift.

New kid on the block,Davido is set to release his debut album – O.B.O (Omo Baba Olowo) Genesis on Wednesday 18 July 2012 followed by his album launch concert in association with Flytime entertainment on Sunday 22 July at Eko Hotel Expo Hall, Lagos, Nigeria.

Besides fulfilling his obligations as MTN Brand ambassador and attending school, Davido has been working hard on his hotly anticipated album, which will feature all of the young singer, writer and producer’s hit songs that includes “Back When” feat. Naeto C,

Friday, July 13, 2012

A young man vent his anger on his friend for refusing to pay him back N500 and used a machete to hack him to death.

The incident happened in Badagry, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.The 25-year old man, Anuoluwapo Samuel, has been arrested and arraigned before Yaba Magistrate’s court for alleged.

The remorseful Samuel who is now in prison custody, was alleged to have used a machete to inflict injury on John’s right hand.

The incident happened at Okoafo Secondary School, Okoafo, in Badagry Local Government Area where they attended a party.The victim, Imenvbore John, bled profusely and before he was taken to a hospital, he died on the way.

Big Brother Africa winner, Karen Igho, recently joined Naija FM as an on air personality. She spoke with a reliable source about the new job, her challenges, her kind of man and other issues.

Karen, why are you coming on board Naija FM?

First, I thank God for His mercies and before now I have been doing shows and other things but this time around, I want a different thing entirely.

How did you get the job?

Na God now. When something is meant for you, no matter what, you will get on board. I think this job was meant for me and I got it because I have been working on a reality show modelling, acting and doing other things

Portsmouth are reeling after being hit by a new 10-point deduction and the threat of legal action from one of their own players, former Super Eagles’ skipper, Nwankwo Kanu.

It is the third time in four seasons Pompey, £52million in debt, have been stripped of points.

To add to their woes, club legend, Kanu, 35, is planning to sue the 2008 FA Cup winners for six years of unpaid earnings in a “breach of contract” dispute. The Nigerian claimed the League One outfit owe him millions.

Pompey’s administrators are keen to get Kanu’s £300,000-a-year deal off the wage bill, and they believed they had found a way through breach of contract when the striker failed to report for pre-season on Monday.

Fuji star, Sulaimon Alao Adekunle Malaika a.k.a Alayeluwa, who is currently on a playing tour of the United States of America caused a big sensation in the city of London last Friday, 6 July, 2012 when he performed at Planet Nollywood, in Camberwell.

The show, put together by Godfather Promotions was Malaika’s first in the last four years in London. Sources at the show told a reiliable source that the venue was jam packed.

For about five hours, the people danced non-stop to hits from his past and current albums.

In a telephone conversation after the show, Malaika, who is billed to perform in New York City today, revealed that he was grateful to God for making the show a success.

A suicide bomber blew himself up near the Maiduguri Central Mosque in the capital city of Borno State, killing himself and at least five others.

It was gathered that among the dignitaries that were observing Friday prayers at the mosque were Deputy Governor Zannah Mustaphar and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Kyari. Both men were evacuated alive after the attack. It is not yet clear if any was injured.

Several other people were injured in the attack, and have been taken to nearby hospitals.

Bayero University Kano (BUK) has expelled 81 students after being found guilty of examination malpractices, while 14 other offenders were rusticated for one academic session in compliance with the rules and regulations of the institution, the varsity’s spokesman Malam Mustapha Zahraddeen said in a statement today.Meanwhile BUK on Thursday matriculated over 5,000 students for the 2012/2013 academic session.

Speaking during the ceremony which was held at the new campus of the varsity, the Vice Chancellor Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, said that the institution received a

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal filed by a member of the House of Representative, Eseme Eyiboh representing Eket Federal constituency in Akwa Ibom State.

Mr Eyiboh had gone to the apex court to challenge the ruling on the appeal brought to the Appeal Court by Dan Bassey Abia, challenging the ruling of Justice Abdul Kafarati, on points of law and jurisdiction.

MARIO Balotelli’spregnant ex-girlfriend has penned a passionate letter to the soccer star - agreeing to take a paternity test to prove the baby is his. In the emotionally-charged message, sexy lingerie model Raffaella Fico, 27, slams Balotelli, 21, for accusing her of “cashing in” on the pregnancy.

The couple split in April after their tempestuous year-long relationship ended with a doorstep bust-up.

But two weeks ago, TV showgirl Raffaella revealed she was almost four months pregnant – and the baby was his.

Initially, the Manchester City striker was said to be “delighted” with the news but then issued a strongly worded statement saying he would ”accept his full responsibilities once a paternity test” was completed.

Popular Ghanaian actor Prince David Osei has congratulated actress Yvonne Nelson on her award as the Face of Ghana, best actress in the United State of America.

“Congratulations to Yvonne Nelson for winning the award. Proud of you sister, God richly bless you.”Earlier on, he also used his blackberry status to celebrate the actress.The beautiful actress was on Sunday evening honoured at a red carpet event at the 15th edition of the 5-Continent Academy Awards in New York.

Teen pop star Justin Bieber says he wants to start a Los Angeles soccer team and hopes football star David Beckham will coach it. The 18-year-old Boyfriend hitmaker plans to follow Robbie Williams and Vinnie Jones by setting up a celebrity football squad, reported Daily Star online.

Williams's team is LA Vale, named after his hometown club Port Vale, and 47-year-old Jones has two teams, Hollywood United and Hollywood Allstars. "I've been playing a lot of soccer over the last two or three years. I've been really enjoying it. I know there's an LA celebrity team that Robbie Williams was in, but I am looking to start a team for the younger guys. The One Direction guys said that they'll play and also Lil Bow Wow," Bieber said.

"There's only one guy we want to coach the team and that is David Beckham. It's not like we will be playing a game every week. It will, in reality probably only be about three or four games a season," he added.

Nigeria's Rep at the ongoing BBA, Goldie, has now become the head of the house.

In the StarGame jungle, it’s survival of the fittest. For today’s Head of House Task the Housemates faced a test of endurance.

The StarGamers headed out in the garden where they found markers to indicate where to stand and pom poms waiting for them. The challenge was for each Housemate to stand still by their marker and to hold up a pom pom in each hand at a 90 degree angle.

Interestingly, the first Housemate to taste defeat was Prezzo just a day after the Kenyan vowed to win Head of House in order to get rid of Keagan. Better luck next time Prezzo. As for Keagan, after weeks of dominating in the challenges today the South African’s lucky streak finally came to an end.

Professor Wole Soyinka is an Author, Poet,Playwright, Political Activist and a Nobel Prize winner. He was born on 13th July 1934. There’s a lecture at the Muson Centre today to mark his 78th birthday. He is the first African man to win a nobel prize for Literature.

A US woman suspected to be a hooker snapped and bashed her 9-year-old son’s head with a hammer the NY Daily News reported.The 40-year-old woman, ex-con, Tenika Revell called the police just before 11 p.m on Friday and coldly told the operator that she killed her child and had taken pills to try to end her own life too.

Cops rushed to her Brooklyn apartment and found the woman alive. But her son Bernard couldn’t be saved.The accused killer’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighbours were stunned by the violence, saying that Revell appeared to adore her son, whom she often called “Little B.”

According to the police Bernard was found with bruises and lacerations to his head.The monster mom, treated at Woodhull Hospital, was charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.

A 70-year-old woman, Mrs. Rebecca Adewumi, was, yesterday, lynched by a mob in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, over alleged witchcraft, even as the deceased family petitioned the police, asking for justice.

Narrating the ordeal her mother passed through to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the first daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Grace Smith, said her mother was invited to the palace of Olomuo, Oba Noah Omonigbehin, some time last May on allegation that she used her witchcraft power to harm her step-son, one Ola.

We are yet to see the end of this bribery scandal between Femi Otedola and Farouk Lawan. Recently Lawan said he gave Hon. Jagaba about $500,000. But Jagaba Denies that he received such money and in fact he even to sue Farouk to court.

Read full gist below:

In the latest twist of the bribery allegation between former chairman of the ad-hoc committee investigating the management of subsidy and businessman Femi Otedola, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Drugs/Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Hon. Jagaba Adams Jagaba has threatened legal action against Hon. Lawan Farouk if he doesn’t stop blackmailing him.

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, Jagaba said he will be forced to go that route if Lawan continues to ‘lie’ that he gave him (Jagaba) $500,000 part payment money he received from Otedola.

The Lagos State Police Command, on Thursday, confirmed that a veteran presenter of Islamic programmes on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Razaq Lawan, popularly known as Gawat, was missing.

Ngozi Braide, spokesperson for the command, said the police would not rush to describe Lawan’s case as that of kidnapping.

She said that Lawan's wife, who reported the matter to the Adeniji Adele Police Station, alleged that she spoke to her husband last on phone on July 10 at about 4.45 p.m. According to her, Lawan said that he was going to Ikeja for a meeting.